Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s national mixed doubles head coach Nova Widianto will conclude his tenure with the Badminton Association of Malaysia on July 31 before returning home to join the Badminton Association of Indonesia.
The Indonesian coach is leaving BAM after more than three years in charge of Malaysia’s mixed doubles program, bringing an end to a successful coaching spell that began in January 2023.
Nova is expected to take charge of Indonesia’s national mixed doubles squad beginning in August, marking his return to PBSI after previously leaving the organization to continue his coaching career in Malaysia.
Why Is Nova Widianto Leaving BAM?
Malaysia’s doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky revealed that two factors influenced Nova’s decision to shorten his time with BAM.
First, Nova received an offer from PBSI to return to Indonesia and lead the country’s mixed doubles program.
The second reason was personal. Nova’s family, particularly his mother, Yustina Sutarni, encouraged him to return home when the opportunity became available.
According to Rexy, Nova initially said that he needed to discuss the offer with his family before making a final decision.
His family believed that returning to PBSI would be the right step if he had the opportunity to continue his coaching career closer to home.
After considering the offer and his mother’s wishes, Nova accepted the position and decided to return to Indonesia.
Nova Widianto Ends Three-Year BAM Tenure
Nova joined BAM as Malaysia’s national mixed doubles head coach in January 2023 after being personally selected by Rexy.
He was given the responsibility of improving a mixed doubles department that was searching for more consistent results at major international badminton tournaments.
Over the following three years, Nova helped strengthen the structure of the program while developing several partnerships capable of competing on the BWF World Tour.
His most significant achievement came through Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, who became the first Malaysian mixed doubles pair to win the BWF World Championships.
Tang Jie and Ee Wei defeated China’s Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya Xin 21-15, 21-14 in the 2025 final in Paris to secure Malaysia’s historic first world title in the category.
Nova Thanks BAM and Malaysian Badminton
In his farewell statement, Nova expressed his appreciation to BAM for allowing him to become part of Malaysia’s national badminton program.
He described it as an honor to work with the Malaysian players, coaches and support staff during his time in the country.
Nova also thanked those who supported him throughout his tenure and said he hoped BAM would continue achieving success in international badminton after his departure.
“It has been an honor to work with the players, coaching team and support staff. I am very grateful for all the support I received during my time in Malaysia.”
He added that he would always appreciate the trust BAM placed in him and wished the organization continued success in the future.
Rexy Mainaky Says Nova Will Be Missed
Rexy acknowledged that Nova’s departure would be felt within the Malaysian national setup.
The two coaches had worked closely together since Nova’s arrival, with Rexy overseeing the wider doubles program and Nova concentrating on mixed doubles development.
Rexy confirmed that Nova had received an offer from PBSI and understood why the coach ultimately chose to return home.
“It is true that Nova received an offer from PBSI. He will certainly be missed.”
Rexy explained that Nova had been open about the offer and had informed him that he wanted to discuss the decision with his family before responding.
Once his family supported the move, Nova decided to accept the position and begin the next stage of his coaching career in Indonesia.
BAM President Praises Nova’s Contribution
BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz thanked Nova for serving Malaysian badminton with dedication and professionalism.
He said the Indonesian coach played a major role in strengthening Malaysia’s mixed doubles department and helping its players reach a higher international level.
Tengku Zafrul highlighted Tang Jie and Ee Wei’s historic world championship victory as the defining achievement of Nova’s time with BAM.
He described the title as a proud moment for Malaysian badminton and recognized Nova’s contribution to preparing the pair for their breakthrough success.
On behalf of BAM, Tengku Zafrul wished Nova and his family well as they prepared to begin a new chapter in Indonesia.
Nova Returns to Familiar PBSI Environment
Nova’s move brings him back to an organization he knows well.
Before joining BAM, he had spent many years working within Indonesia’s national mixed doubles coaching structure.
PBSI previously confirmed that Nova left its national training center on good terms before moving to Malaysia. His original departure was not linked to a dispute, with the coach instead seeking a new professional challenge overseas.
His return gives Indonesia an experienced coach who understands the demands of developing mixed doubles partnerships at the highest level of international badminton.
A Major Transition for Malaysian Mixed Doubles
Nova’s departure comes at an important stage for Malaysia’s mixed doubles program.
The department is attempting to maintain the standard established by Tang Jie and Ee Wei while also developing younger combinations capable of challenging on the BWF World Tour.
Nova leaves behind a program with a historic world title but also several important decisions to make regarding player development, partnerships and long-term planning.
BAM will now need to manage the transition carefully as the national squad prepares for upcoming major badminton tournaments.
Nova Widianto’s BAM Coaching Timeline
- January 2023: Joined BAM as Malaysia’s national mixed doubles head coach.
- 2023–2025: Helped strengthen Malaysia’s mixed doubles program and develop several international partnerships.
- August 2025: Guided Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei to Malaysia’s first mixed doubles world championship.
- July 31, 2026: Concludes his tenure with BAM.
- August 2026: Returns to PBSI to lead Indonesia’s mixed doubles squad.
Nova Leaves a Lasting Mark on Malaysian Badminton
Nova Widianto’s return to PBSI closes an important chapter in recent Malaysian badminton history.
His tenure will be remembered most clearly for Tang Jie and Ee Wei’s world championship triumph, but his influence extended beyond one result.
Through his technical knowledge, experience and daily work with the national squad, Nova helped Malaysia establish a stronger presence in international mixed doubles.
He now returns to Indonesia with the opportunity to rebuild and strengthen PBSI’s mixed doubles program, while BAM begins the search for continuity following the departure of one of its most influential coaches.
